Ex-Lawmaker Faces Trial In Corruption Case

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – A former Pennsylvania legislator is slated to be the first defendant to go on trial in an ongoing investigation of alleged corruption.

Jury selection starts Wednesday in the case of former Rep. Sean Ramaley (Ruh-MAW-lee) in Dauphin County Common Pleas Court in Harrisburg.

The Beaver County Democrat is charged with accepting a state job that required no work but paid him more than $2,500 a month while running for his first term. He's charged with theft, conflict of interest and conspiracy.

Ramaley played a relatively minor role in what prosecutors say was a scheme by people connected to the House Democratic caucus to divert taxpayers' resources to advance political campaigns.

Earlier ths month, the attorney general's office filed simlar charges against 10 people associated with the House Republican caucus.